Want to get ordained in South Dakota to officiate a wedding, but aren’t sure how much it costs? 

 

 

This will probably be a shorter article than you’re expecting… Because online ordination with American Marriage Ministries is always free in South Dakota! 

 

• Get Ordained online for free with AMM here

 

American Marriage Ministries a non-profit, interfaith and non-denominational church that provides free ordination, advocacy, and training for our ministers to ensure that all people have the right to get married and to perform marriage. 

 

To date, we’ve ordained over one million ministers who have officiated weddings all across the United States… including almost 4,000 ministers in South Dakota, and counting.

 

• How to Become a Wedding Officiant in South Dakota
• Conviértete en un Oficiante de Bodas en South Dakota

 

Are there additional costs to officiate a wedding in South Dakota? 

 

No: South Dakota doesn’t require ministers to register with the state before performing a marriage ceremony – this means that once you’ve been ordained, you’re qualified to officiate a wedding anywhere in the state and don’t need to purchase additional documents. 

 

• South Dakota Officiant Government Registration Requirements
• Requisitos para Registrarte como Oficiante en South Dakota

 

However, it’s recommended that you order proof of your ordination for your records to have on hand in case you need to verify your credentials. These credentials can be ordered from the AMM Store: 

 

 

► ORDER YOUR MINISTER CREDENTIALS HERE

 

Above: AMM's Standard Minister Ordination Package comes with your official ordination certificate, a letter of good standing, an exclusive minister manual, a sample wedding ceremony script, and other materials to help you solemnize your first marriage ceremony like a professional. See the full package here.

 

 

Are there other free or low-cost options for online ordination in South Dakota?

 

If you’re researching how and where to get ordained online in South Dakota, and believe that all people have the right to get married and officiate weddings, AMM might be a great fit for you. But we know it’s important to consider all your options! 

 

Below, we compare the costs of several internet churches offering online ordination to help you choose the best match for your needs and beliefs. Some of these options are free, while others charge a fee. 

 

 

1. American Marriage Ministries: Free

 

As mentioned above, AMM offers free online ordination to people of all faiths and backgrounds, and is legally recognized in South Dakota. AMM is an inclusive federally-recognized 501(c)3 nonprofit interfaith church. We believe that every couple has the constitutionally protected right to enter into the institution of marriage on their own terms, including the right to choose who performs their wedding ceremony. 

 

• Get ordained to officiate weddings in South Dakota

 

 

2. The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster : $59

 

It doesn’t cost anything to be a Pastafarian, but members who wish to become ordained through The Church of the FSM to perform weddings or other ceremonial rites will need to purchase an Official Ordination Pack. At the time of writing, this package costs $59 and can be purchased on the SpaghettiMonster.org website. 

 

3. The Universal Life Church (ULC): Free

 

Originally formed in the early 1960s, ULC follows the doctrine, “Do that which is right.” Several offshoots of this church have formed over the years, including some that aren’t affiliated with the original Modesto church. Ordinations through The Universal Life Church are free.

 

4. Various online Christian churches: $100 or less

 

There are several online Christian ordination services that offer ordinations for free, or for a fee of $100 or less. It’s important to note that these organizations require ministers / pastors to adhere to specific religious views and practices (sign a Statement of Faith), and to the views of each individual church, in order to become ordained. A few low-cost Christian options include Minister Now ($25 at time of writing); Christian Harvest Church ($78 at time of writing); and the National Association of Christian Ministers.

 

 

In addition to the few listed here, there are many other organizations providing online ordination for free or for a fee. Research your options carefully to choose the best ordination for your needs, beliefs, and budget. 

 

 

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Read Next: 

 

• How to Officiate a Wedding For the First Time

 

• Is it Legal to Get Married on Mushrooms?

 

• How to Get Married in South Dakota - Planning a Wedding in The Mount Rushmore State

 

 

Read all South Dakota Wedding Articles 

 

 

Planning a South Dakota wedding? This short guide will help! Read the full article here. 

 

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